The Direct Payment Regulation includes the option for Member States to allocate payment entitlements to persons who never held entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme but who actively farmed in 2013, the so-called Scottish Derogation. In line with the support granted under all previous Pillar I schemes, this provision is only available to persons who undertook their agricultural activity within the beef, dairy, sheep or arable sectors. Under the provisions of EU Regulation 1307/2013, farmers applying under this measure will be required to provide verifiable evidence of such production on 15th May 2013
The Minister said: “a number of active farmers did not establish entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme and consequently do not hold an Allocation Right for the purposes of establishing entitlements under the new Scheme. To exclude such farmers from the Basic Payment Scheme would place these farmers at a significant disadvantage. I am pleased that we can now cater for this group of farmers under the provision known as the Scottish Derogation”.
The Regulation also allows for the allocation of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme to farmers who do not hold an automatic Allocation Right but who grew fruit and/or vegetables in 2013 on a minimum area of one hectare, the Fruit and Vegetable Provision. This Provision is only available to those who grew these products on a minimum of one hectarein 2013.
The Minister also announced the availability of an online application for persons whose allocation of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme has been impacted by force majeure circumstances. He also wishes to remind farmers that the on-line application for the ‘Specific Disadvantage’ category of the National Reserve known as the ‘Old Young Farmers’ has been available since 1 April 2015.
The Minister concluded: “I encourage all farmers who believe they may be eligible under any of the above provisions/schemes to register with the Department’s online facility (www.agfood.ie) and to submit relevant applications before the closing date of 29 May 2015”.
